Jul 23, 2024 7 min read

How to Install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12

Install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12 with our step-by-step tutorial. XanMod Kernel is customized for optimal system performance and responsiveness.

Install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12
Install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12
Table of Contents

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Introduction

Before we begin talking about how to install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12, let's briefly understand – What is XanMod Kernel?

The XanMod Kernel is a customized Linux kernel designed to optimize system performance and responsiveness. It incorporates various enhancements and tweaks to deliver an improved user experience. By fine-tuning the kernel's configuration, XanMod offers faster task scheduling, reduced input/output latency, and improved overall system performance.

With regular updates and support for various hardware platforms, XanMod Kernel provides a reliable solution for users seeking to maximize their system's potential.

In this tutorial, you will install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12. We will also address a few FAQs on how to install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12.

Advantages of XanMod Kernel

  1. Enhanced Performance: XanMod Kernel provides optimized task scheduling and reduced I/O latency for faster and more responsive system performance.
  2. Increased Responsiveness: It offers improved desktop responsiveness, allowing for smoother multitasking and a more seamless user experience.
  3. Hardware Compatibility: XanMod Kernel supports a wide range of hardware platforms, ensuring compatibility and stability for diverse systems.
  4. Regular Updates: The kernel receives regular updates, keeping it up to date with the latest developments and security patches.
  5. Customizability: Users can configure the XanMod Kernel to suit their specific needs, tailoring it for optimal performance on their systems.

Import XanMod APT Repository on Debian 12

Step 1: Update Debian Before XanMod Installation

It's essential to update your Debian system before installing the XanMod kernel. Potential conflicts during the XanMod installation are reduced thanks to this update. To execute the update, type:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command updates the packages to the most recent versions and refreshes your package lists.

Step 2: Install Required Initial Packages

There are dependencies that need to be installed before the XanMod kernel can be installed. Although these packages may already be installed, run the following commands to make sure they are.

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl -y

Installing essential packages required for secure communication and repository management is done with this command.

Step 3: Import the XanMod GPG Key and Repository

In order to install the XanMod kernel, you must first add the XanMod repository to your computer. For simplicity's sake, we'll use the apt package manager here.

Import the XanMod GPG Key-

Begin by importing the GPG key:

wget -qO - https://dl.xanmod.org/archive.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -vo /usr/share/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpg

To confirm the legitimacy of the XanMod packages, you must first retrieve the XanMod GPG key and add it to your system's keyring.

Add the XanMod Repository-

Next, add the XanMod repository:

echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg] http://deb.xanmod.org releases main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.list

You can install packages from the XanMod repository by adding it to your APT sources with this command.

Verify the Repository Addition-

To confirm the successful addition of the repository, use:

grep xanmod /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.list
Output

deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg] http://deb.xanmod.org releases main

Step 4: Update Packages List After Import

Now add the recently added XanMod repository to your APT repository source listing:

sudo apt update

Install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12

Download and Prepare the XanMod Kernel Check Script

Get the XanMod Kernel Check Script first in order to match the XanMod Kernel with the CPU of your system. This script is essential for determining which XanMod Kernel package is best suited for your Debian setup.

Run the following commands to download and adjust the permissions for the script:

wget https://dl.xanmod.org/check_x86-64_psabi.sh
chmod +x check_x86-64_psabi.sh

The XanMod Kernel is available in multiple versions, such as linux-xanmod-x64v1, x64v2, x64v3, and x64v4, which makes this step essential. Every version is specially tuned to work with various CPU architectures.

The compatible x86-64 version will be visible in the script's output. As an example, you may notice:

CPU supports x86-64-v2

The script indicates that there are possible versions that your CPU supports, such as x86-64-v1, v3, or v4.

Install the XanMod Kernel Using APT

After determining which version is correct, install the XanMod Kernel. If your CPU is compatible with x86-64-v2, for instance, the installation command would be:

sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v2

Don't forget to modify the command according to the CPU version (v1, v3, or v4) that you previously ascertained.

See the details below or visit the official XanMod Kernel website for detailed information on each kernel version and its CPU compatibility.

Quick Overview of XanMod Versions:

  • MAIN Versions:
  • linux-xanmod-x64v1: Best for older CPUs like AMD K8-family and Intel Pentium 4 / Xeon (Nocona).
  • linux-xanmod-x64v2: Fits newer CPUs, such as AMD Family 10h (Barcelona) and Intel Core 2 variants.
  • linux-xanmod-x64v3: Ideal for modern CPUs including AMD Family 17h (Zen) and Intel 6th Gen Core (Skylake).
  • linux-xanmod-x64v4: Suitable for the latest CPUs, like AMD Family 19h (Zen4) and Intel Xeon / 10th Gen Core (Ice Lake).
  • EDGE Versions:
  • linux-xanmod-edge-x64v2: Tailored for CPUs like AMD Family 16h (Jaguar) and Intel 2nd Gen Core (Sandybridge).
  • linux-xanmod-edge-x64v3: Optimal for CPUs including AMD Family 17h (Zen+) and Intel 7th Gen Core (Kaby Lake).
  • linux-xanmod-edge-x64v4: Designed for advanced CPUs such as Intel 11th Gen (Rocket Lake) and AMD Family 19h (Zen3).
  • LTS Versions:
  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v1: Supports older, long-term stable CPUs, like Intel Core 2 and AMD K10-family.
  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2: Compatible with various CPUs, including Intel 3rd Gen Core (Ivybridge) and AMD Family 15h (Steamroller).
  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v3: Fits recent CPUs such as Intel 10th Gen Core (Comet Lake) and AMD Family 17h (Zen2).
  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v4: For the newest CPUs offering long-term stability, like Intel 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) and AMD Family 19h (Zen3).
  • RT Versions:
  • linux-xanmod-rt-x64v2: Real-time version for CPUs like Intel 1st Gen Core (Nehalem) and AMD Family 15h (Bulldozer).
  • linux-xanmod-rt-x64v3: Real-time version optimized for newer CPUs, including Intel 8/9th Gen Core (Coffee Lake) and AMD Family 17h (Zen+).
  • linux-xanmod-rt-x64v4: The most advanced real-time version for CPUs such as Intel Xeon (Cooper Lake) and AMD Family 19h (Zen4).

On Debian systems, choosing the right version of the XanMod Kernel for your CPU architecture is crucial to maximizing performance.

Verify XanMod Kernel Installation on Debian 12

Confirming the XanMod Kernel Installation

Verify that the XanMod Kernel was installed successfully after restarting your Debian system. This verification process makes sure the latest kernel is being used on your system.

Check the Installed Kernel Version

To verify the installed kernel version, execute:

cat /proc/version

The kernel version that is currently in use will be output by this command. The XanMod kernel version will be shown in the output if the installation was successful.

Example of Kernel Verification

A more thorough view of your system's details, including the kernel version, can be obtained by using extra tools like Neofetch.

XanMod Kernel Installation Using Neofetch CLI on Debian
XanMod Kernel Installation Using Neofetch CLI on Debian

Managing XanMod Kernel on Debian 12

Update XanMod Kernel on Debian

You can update the kernel after adding the XanMod APT repository in the same way that you would any other package. The command to check for and apply updates is as follows:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

By running this command, you can update your system to the most recent kernel version found in the XanMod repository and refresh your package list.

Remove XanMod Kernel from Debian

Step 1: Remove the XanMod Source from the Repository-

Remove the XanMod Kernel's source from your list of repositories before starting the removal process:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.list

By removing the XanMod repository, this command stops fetching updates in the future.

Step 2: Remove the GPG Key-

It's wise to remove XanMod's GPG key if you plan to stop using it in the future for security reasons:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg

This step eliminates external authentication keys, ensuring the security integrity of your system.

Step 3: List Installed XanMod Kernel Packages-

Identify the installed XanMod Kernel packages on your system:

dpkg --list | grep `uname -r`

With your current kernel running, this command lists all of the XanMod Kernel packages that are connected to it.

Step 4: Remove the XanMod Kernel Packages-

In order to eliminate the recognized XanMod Kernel packages, run:

sudo apt remove linux-image-*.*.*-xanmod* linux-headers-*.*.*-xanmod* --purge

This command removes the packages for the XanMod Kernel from your system.

Step 5: Restart Your System-

To make the changes take effect, restart your computer:

reboot

Using this step will allow you to return to the default kernel.

Step 6: Verify the Installation Rollback-uy7

Verify that the default Debian kernel is running after rebooting and that the XanMod kernel has been successfully removed:

cat /proc/version

A successful rollback to the default Debian kernel should be indicated by the output, which should show the default version of the Linux kernel.

FAQs to Install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12

Can I install XanMod Kernel alongside my existing kernel? 

Yes, you can install XanMod Kernel alongside your existing kernel. During the boot, you can select which kernel you want to use from the boot menu.

Is XanMod Kernel compatible with all hardware? 

XanMod Kernel strives to support a wide range of hardware. However, it's recommended to check the compatibility of your specific hardware components with XanMod Kernel.

Does installing XanMod Kernel void my warranty?

No, installing XanMod Kernel does not void your warranty. The kernel is a software component, and modifying it does not typically affect the hardware warranty.

How often should I update XanMod Kernel? 

XanMod Kernel receives regular updates to incorporate improvements and security patches. It's advisable to update it whenever new updates are available to ensure optimal performance and security.

Can I revert to the default Debian kernel after installing XanMod Kernel? 

Yes, you can easily switch back to the default Debian kernel. During boot, select the Debian kernel from the boot menu to revert to the original configuration.

Is XanMod Kernel suitable for servers? 

Yes, XanMod Kernel can be installed on servers to enhance performance and responsiveness. However, thoroughly test it in your server environment before production use.

Are there any risks associated with installing XanMod Kernel? 

Installing XanMod Kernel is generally safe, but like any kernel modification, there is a minimal risk of system instability. Always ensure backups and proceed with caution.

Conclusion

We hope this tutorial helped you understand how to install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12.

If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to respond to them for sure.

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